Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol, of Spain, puts his warmup top on as he sits on the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Lakers 117-90. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
December 27, 2013 - 6:38 PM
SALT LAKE CITY - Lakers centre Pau Gasol has been ruled out against the Utah Jazz, further weakening an already depleted lineup for Los Angeles.
Gasol, who has been fighting an upper respiratory infection, didn't practice Thursday or join the Lakers on their flight to Utah. He began feeling the effects of the illness about a week ago and sat out a 102-83 loss to Golden State last Saturday, the only game he's missed all season. He had 13 points and 13 rebounds against Miami on Christmas Day.
Chris Kaman will make his fifth start of the season Friday night in place of Gasol, who averages 14.7 points and 9.4 rebounds. Kobe Bryant (knee), Steve Nash (back) and Steve Blake (elbow) remain sidelined for Lakers, who have lost three in a row.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013